Tax department offers refund via debit card

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance once again is offering taxpayers the opportunity to receive their refund by debit cards. Last year, the first year of the program, more than 60,000 people due refunds chose to receive them via debit card.

The Debit MasterCards are accepted at any bank and withdraw the entire amount, said state Tax Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox. They’re intended to eliminate the risk of refund checks being stolen from mailboxes. If a debit card is lost, it will be replaced free, and is protected against unauthorized withdrawals.

The cards can be used at ATMs, although there may be a fee for out-of-network cash machines.

Taxpayers activate the card with a phone call. Further information on the program may be found on Page 34 of the instructions for Form IT-201.